ELCM Lutheran Herald - 5th Edition by Evangelical Lutheran Church Malaysia

5th Edition

Unity of Purpose: The Spirituality Jesus was heading for Jerusalem travelling from Jericho when he chose to pass through the Samaritan towns, when a peculiar situation among his disciples pressed upon him to tell the great story of the Good Samaritan.We have read the story since our Sunday School days, and it has always given us a shot in the arm every time we hear it. I have always been fascinated by this story. I even believe that Jesus was not telling a story but an actual event that happened to someone dear to him. The drama that he conveys has many delicate features, and I am always excited to discover. In short, a man in the same part of the Samaritan country was pounced upon by robbers who took away his belongings, including his clothes and beat him up to a pulp, and left him to die in the exposure of the desert sun. Then comes along a priest and then a Levite, both of whom chose to ignore him; and then a lowly (in the eyes of his listeners) Samaritan picks him up, Bishop’s Message Editorial Is Faith a “Work” on our Part? Photo Gallery Luther Ria - An Update ELCM Outreach Ministries

Bishop’s Message

and at great expense to himself, aids the wounded man. Jesus then challenges the crowd to declare who was the merciful person, and delivers his perfect punch-line “Go and do likewise!” (Luke 10:29-37). As part of our Church-going practice, we keep Easter faithfully, remembering the risen Christ; and the holy days of Ascension and Pentecost. We spend almost half a year meditating upon the life and struggles of Jesus and what he has done for us and what the Father has done for us. As the season progresses towards Advent, we spend the rest of the Christian year contemplating and doing what Jesus intends us to do.

Reading God’s Mind is Possible

Can we read the mind of God? Yes, we can, and no, we cannot! Yes, we can discover God’s purpose for our lives; and no, we cannot discover the fullness of God’s eternal wisdom!

ELCM Events News Updates Article 6 Go Green ELCM Condolences ELCM Programme for 2011

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Let us participate in that divine compassion by acting out our simple gesture of compassion for the people and the world around us. The God of the Samaritan is our God

This second part is beyond us and yet that is what God wants us to contemplate in our life. His mind! Yes, in our Christian life we are familiar with great miracles and we are amazed at the wonderment of his authority and blessings in our lives. Jesus says, “This is truly wonderful and we ought to praise God for keeping us so close to him that we too can exercise our authority.” And he also said that “we should rejoice all the more not because we understand his authority but because our names are penned down in the Book of Life in heaven.”

For example, to illustrate the point: on the day when the robbers pounced upon the traveller and left him dying, there was indeed a person hidden at a high place watching at the cruelty of mankind and silently crying. He was the traveller’s father who was wishing someone would run to his son and help him. When the traveller fainted, nobody ran to offer any assistance. People who constantly praise the name of God, and who stand in the midst of people with the Word of God came and passed by. But the Samaritan ran to his aid. The world would understand if the traveller looked back at his ordeal and said, “A man came by, and like God, he saved me.” Truly I tell you at that one moment, my dear brothers and sisters, the Samaritan found unity of purpose with God. Indeed, he was depicting the very real presence and compassion of God!

And while it is great that God through the Holy Spirit should act at the behest of our prayers, it is ultimately God’s power and authority that rules over this world. The great challenge lies not in melting God’s heart because it is already being melted for us. He is filled with compassion and love for us. The real challenge is what we do for God by our authority and by our own power. The real challenge is how we reflect God’s compassion for this world in our lives! The real challenge is not the seeking after self-righteousness and perfection of faith but the compassion that lies in our hearts that is often sleeping!

We come to Church with various and different gifts and talents, and God welcomes it. We put them to the service of God. What we need to constantly think is not so much as authority and righteousness we exercise but the moist compassion of God that spreads unity across this universe and that touches all our lives. Let us participate in that divine compassion by acting out our simple gesture of compassion for the people and the world around us. And in compassion we will build this little beloved Church of ours into a mighty fortress for the weak and the broken. And in compassion we will stand united as a testimony for our Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to guide you as you persevere to uphold the unity of purpose in building the Church. Rt. Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah

Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia

mj;jpal;rupd; nra;jp

xw;Wikapd; Nehf;fk;:

NaR fpwp];J vupNfhtpypUe;J> vUrNyKf;F rkhupah topaha; Nghifapy;> Ngu; Nghd ey;y rkhupad; fijia nrhy;y rP\u;fshNy Jhz;Ljy; cz;lhdJ. ,ij ehk; Xa;Tehl; gs;spapNy gbj;jij> Ntjj;jpNy thrpf;Fk; xt;nthU KiwAk; mJ ekf;F xU cw;rhfj;ij nfhLf;fpwJ. ,J ,NaR nrhd;d fijaha; vd;dhky;> mtUf;F mUikahdtUf;F ele;j xU rk;gtkhf epidf;fpNwd;. ,e;j fijapy; mjpf Ritahd Nghjidfis ntspgLj;Jfpwhu;. RWq;f nrhd;dhy;> mJNghd;w rkhupa gFjpapy; jpUlu; ifapy; mfg;gl;L topNghf;fd; vy;yhtw;iwAk; gupnfhLj;jhd;> cilfisAk; $l gupnfhLj;jhd;. ghiytdj;jpd; nta;apypy; rhFk;gbaha; tplg;gl;lhd;. topapy; te;j MrhupaDk; NytpaDk; fz;Lk; fhzhky; Nghapdu;. gpwF jho;ikahd xU rkhupad; mioj;J nrd;whd;> mbgl;ltDf;F cjtpajhy; ngupa nrythdJ. ,NaR $l;lj;jpw;F rthy; nfhLj;jhu;> ahu; ,uf;fk; fhl;batd; vd;W $wp “ePAk; Ngha; mg;gbNa nra;” vd;whu;. (Yhf;fh 10:29-37)

itg;gJ my;y> fhudk; Vw;fdNt mtuJ ,Ujak; ekf;fha; fiue;Jtpl;lJ. mtu; ek;Nky; fUidAk; md;Gk; epiwe;jtuha; ,Uf;fpwhu;. flTSf;F ehk;> ekf;F nfhLf;Fg;gl;bUf;Fk; mjpfhuj;ijnfhz;Lk;> ngyj;ijf;nfhz;Lk; vd;d nra;fpNwhk; vd;gNj rthy;. ,t;Tyfj;jpw;F flTspd; ,uf;fj;ij ehk; vg;gb gpujpgypf;fpNwhk; vd;gJk; nka;ahd rthNy. Ra ePjpiaAk; tpRthrj;jpy; Fiwkw;wJk; nfhz;l ,uf;fj;ij NjLk;NghJ> mJ ekJ cs;sj;jpy; Jhq;fpnfhz;Ljhd; ,Uf;Fk;.

rkhupaupd; flTNs ekJ flTs;. vLj;Jfhl;lhf: jpUlu;fs; topNghf;fid mbj;J Fw;Wapuha; tpl;L NghdNghJ> NkNy fz;Zf;F fhzhj> kdpj Fyj;jpd; ml;^ypaj;ij fz;L mikjpahf fz;zPu; tpLk; egu; xUtu; ghu;j;Jnfhz;Ljhd; ,Uf;fpwhu;. topNghf;fdpd; gpjhthfpa flTs; jd; gps;isia ahuhtJ Xb fhg;ghw;Wthu;fsh vd fhj;Jf;nfhz;BUf;fpwhu;. kaf;fKw;w topNghf;fid ftzpf;f ahUk; tu ,y;iy. kf;fs; kj;jpapy; flTspd; thu;jijia gpu];jhgg;gLj;jp> flTis Nghw;wp Gfo;fpwtu;fs; Fw;Wapuha; ,Uf;Fk; topNghf;fid fz;Lk; fhzhky; Nghapdu;. rkhupaNdh fupridNahL cjt Xbdhd;. flTisNghy xU kdpjd; vd;id fhg;ghw;wpdhd; vd;W> ghjpf;fg;gl;l topNghf;fd; nrhd;dhy; cyfk; mwpAk;. rNfhju rNfhjupfNs> me;j rkhupad; flTSld; ,Uf;Fk; fhuzj;ij fz;lhd;. cz;ikapy; rkhupad; flTspd; fUidiaAk; flTspd; gpurd; dj;ijAk; ntspgLj;jpdhd;.

Myaj;jpw;F nry;Yk; gof;fj;jpy;> fpwp];Jtpd; capu;j;njOjy;> guNkWjy;> nge;Njnfh];Nj ,itfis tpRthrj;NjhL epidT $WfpNwhk;. miw tUlkhtJ fpwp];Jtpd; [Ptpak;> ghLfs;> mtu; ekf;F nra;jitfisAk;> gpjhthfpa flTs; ekf;F nra;jitfisAk; jpahdpf;fpNwhk;. tUifapd; fhyk; Jtq;fp tUlk; KbAk; tiu fpwp];J ehk; nra;Ak;gb vjpu;ghu;j;itfis nra;fpNwhk;.

flTspd; rp;e;ijia mwptJ Kbe;j xU fhupaNk. ehk; flTspd; rpe;ijia mwpaKbAkh? Mk; ek;khy; KbAk;> ,y;iy ek;khy; KbahJ. ek;Kila [Ptpj;jpw;fhf flTspd; jpl;lj;ij fz;lila KbAk;. mJNghyNt flTspd; KOikahd epj;jpaj;jpd; Qhdj;ij fz;lila KbahJ.

ehk; gyjug;gl;l jhye;Jfs;> tud;fs;> nfhz;ltu;fsha; Myj;jpw;F tUfpNwhk;. flTNsh tuNtw;fpwhu;. mitfis flTdpd; gzpf;fhf cgNahfg;gLj;JfpNwhk;. mjpy; ehk; njhlu;e;J czuNtz;baJ> mJ ek;Kila mjpfhuNkh> ePjpNah my;y> flTspd; fUidtopaha; ru;tNjrj;jpw;Fk; xw;Wikia ekJ [Ptpaj;jpd; topaha; gpujpgspf;fpNwhk; vd czuNtz;Lk;. ,e;j Fdhjpaj;ijNa ru;tNjr kf;fSf;Fk; fhz;gpg;Nghk; thUq;fs;. fUidtopahfNt ekJ rpupa rigia> ngytPdu;fSf;Fk;> kdKile;jtu;fSf;Fk;> ngupa ty;yikahd Nfhl;ilahf fl;LNthk;. mJ ekf;F Kd;ghf fpwp];JTf;F rhl;rpaha; ,Uf;Fk;.

,uz;lhk; gFjpahdJ ek;Kila [Ptpaj;jpy; flTspd; vjpu;ghu;g;G ekf;F mg;ghu;gl;lJ. mtuJ rpe;ijia mwpa KbAk;. fpwp];jt tho;f;ifapNy mtupd; mw;GjKk; mtuJ MrPu;thjkhd mjpfhuKk; ek;;ik Mr;rupag;glitf;fpwJ. “flTs; ek;ik mtupd; mUfpNy itj;jpUg;gjpdhNy ehKk; ek;Kila mjpfhuj;ij ifnfhs;Sk;gb itj;jpUg;gJ Mr;rpakhdJ MfNt flTis Jjpf;fNtz;Lk”;. mNjhL $l “ek;Kila ngau;fs; guNyhfpNy vOjg;gl;bUg;gjpdhy; mtUila mjpfhuj;ij mwpe;jpUf;fpNwhk;. MfNt vy;yhtw;wpYk; fsp$wNtz;Lk;. flTs; gupRj;jMtpahdtupd; topaha; ekJ n[gq;fSf;F nrtprha;j;J mtu; cyfj;ij mjpfhuj;NjhL MSif nra;fpwhu;. ngupa nghWg;G flTspd; ,Ujaj;ij fiua

rig fl;LtjpNy xw;Wikapd; fhuz;j;ij fhj;Jnfhs;s fpwp];J jhNk njhlu;e;J ek;ik top elj;Jthuhf.

khkiwjpU. Kidtu; rhyNkhd; uh[h Nguhau; kNyrpa RtpNr\ Yj;jud; jpUr;rig.

A CALL FOR UNITY

Editor-in-Chief

Rt. Rev Dr. Solomon Rajah Bishop, ELCM

Editor Rev. Albert P. Abishegam Asst. Editor Rev. Steven Lawrence Members Rev. Paul K. Rev. Ebenezer Irai Amirtham Ms. Rowena Ponnudurai Mr. Eliezer Peter

TheLutheranHeraldistheofficial publicationoftheEvangelicalLutheran ChurchinMalaysia(ELCM).Forfurther information,pleasecontacttheELCMas follows:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia 21, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 03-2274 1033 / 03-2274 0204 Fax: 03-2274 1750 Email: elcm@streamyx.com Website: www.elcm.com.my TheLutheranHeraldwelcomesarticles, includingnewsondeaths,weddings, baptisms,confirmationsandanyother congregationalactivities.Pleaseemailyour contributionstolutherald@gmail.com Allcontributionsaresubjecttoeditingasand whendeemednecessarybytheEditorial Board.Pleasevisitourwebsiteasabovefor further informationontheELCM.

ne of the most moving passages of Scripture is Christ’s prayer just before his arrest and crucifixion. Facing death, Jesus prayed not only for himself but also for his disciples and for us. His most urgent request on our behalf was for UNITY among ourselves: “that they all may be ONE as you Father are in me, and I in you; that they also may be ONE in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (John 17:21). Indeed, God calls his children to UNITY. And the Herald echoes this divine and sacred call. As Christians who believe in and live by the Word, we need to remember that “right words” sound hollow to the world unless we, being one in Christ, are glorifying God with ONE mind and ONE voice. We are, in fact, instructed “to keep the UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). We are incredibly different and diverse. But we are family. Our heavenly Father calls us to lay aside prejudice, self-interest and pride as we work toward a supernatural UNITY that honours him. The book of Ephesians also talks about the UNITY of believers in Jesus by referring to the ONENESS of the “household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). This UNITY must permeate the efforts of the Christian community today. On August 8, 2005, the world learned of the dramatic rescue of 7 Russian sailors trapped in a small submarine entangled in a fishing net. The men had survived 3 cold, dark days on the bottom of the ocean and had less than 6 hours of oxygen left. Meanwhile, up above, a frantic, United rescue effort by Russian, Japanese, British and American personnel was underway. The submarine was eventually freed. The Russian Defence Minister praised the operation, saying, “We have seen in deeds, not in words, what the brotherhood of the sea means.” Believers in Jesus are commissioned to undertake the most important rescue effort. People are dying without Christ. Praise God that UNITED mission efforts are bringing hope, salvation, education and relief to desperate people around the world. That’s what the brotherhood of Christ is all about. Finally, dear brothers and sisters-in-Christ, the Herald brings to your attention the Each One Reach One Each Year (EOROEY) Growth Campaign launched by our Bishop on 23 June 2009. The same Christ-centred UNITY that prevails in the said UNITED mission efforts needs to be evident among us to not only ensure the success of the EOROEY Campaign but also fulfil the twofold diocesan objective of strengthening and expanding the ELCM. God bless.

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xd;Wgl miog;G mwpNthk;. mtu;fs; 3 ehl;fs;> 6 kzp NeuNk nfhz;l gpuhzthA nfhz;L> rKj;jpuj;jpd; mbapy;> Fspupy;; ,Ue;j nghOJ> u\;ah> [g;ghd;> gpupl;ld;> mnkupf;fh Mfpa Njrj;J khYkpfshy; kPl;gf;fl;ldu;. ,ij fz;l u\;a jw;fhg;ghG mikr;ru; “fly; rNfhjuj;jpd; top> thu;j;ijapdhy; my;yhky; nraypd;” xw;Wikia ghuhl;bdhu;>

tptpypaj;jpy;; kdij njhLk; xU gFjp> mJ ,NaR fpwp];J> jhk; fhl;bnfhLf;fg;gLFKd; nra;j n[gNk. kuz jUthapy;; ,Uf;Fk; mtu; jdf;F kl;Lky;y jd; rP\u;fSf;Fk; ekf;Fk; n[gk; nra;jhu;. ek;kj;jpapy;> mtuJ mtru Ntz;LNfhshdJ> ek;kj;jpapy; xw;Wikaha; ,Uf;fNtz;Lk; vd;gNj “vy;yhUk; xd;wha; ,Ug;gjhf! je;ijNa> ePu; vdf;Fs;Sk; ehd; ckf;Fs;Sk; ,Ug;gJNghy mtu;fSk; xd;wha; ,Ug;ghu;fshf! ,jdhy; ePNu vd;id mDg;gpdPu; vd;W cyfk; ek;Gk;” (Nahthd; 17:21).

,NaRtpy; tpRthrk; nfhz;ltu;fs;> Kf;fpa kPl;gpd; gzpapy; epakpf;fg;gl;Ls;Nshk;. fpwp];J ,y;yhky; kupf;fpwhu;fs; mNdf kf;fs;. fu;j;jUf;F Njhj;jpuk;> If;fpa jpUg;gzp topaha; ru;tNjr uPjpapy; Njitahdtu;fSf;F ek;gpf;if> ,ul;rpg;G> fy;tp> nfhz;L nry;yg;gLfpd;wJ. mJNt fpwp];jt rNfhjuj;Jtk;.

Mk; cd;ikahfNt flTs; jk; gps;isfis xd;wha; ,Uf;f miof;fpwhu;. ,e;j nja;tPf miog;ig> ekJ Yj;jud; JhJtd; vjpnwhspf;fpwJ. Njt thu;j;ijapy; ek;gpf;if itj;Js;s tpRthrpfshfpa ehk;> fpwp];Jtpy; xd;wha; ,uhtpl;lhy;> xNu rpe;ijNahLk; xNu FwyhAk; flTis kfpikgLj;j KbahJ. cd;ikaha ,ide;J tho> Jha Mtpahdtu; mUSk; xUikghl;il fhj;Jf;nfhs;s miof;fg;gLfpNwhk;. (vNgrpau; 4:3). ehk; khw;wKbahj khWgl;ltu;fs;. MapDk; ehk; flTspd; FLk;gNk. ekJ guNyhf je;ijia> fdg;gLj;Jk;gb> Rak;> nghwhik> ngUik ,itfis xJf;fp itj;Jtpl;L> ,aw;iff;F mg;ghu;gl;l xU xw;;Wikf;F ek;ik miof;fpwhu;.

Kbthf> fpwp];JTf;Fs; fNfhju fNfhjupfNs> Mz;Lf;F> xUtu; xUtiu fu;j;Uf;Fs; nfhz;LtUk;> tsu;r;rp gzpia ekJ Nguhau; mtu;fs; 2009k; Mz;L [{d;> jpq;fs; 23k; ehs; Jtf;fp itj;jhu;. ePu; %o;fp fg;gy; khYkpfs; fu;tNjr kf;fspd;> xw;Wikahy; fhg;ghw;wg;gl;lJ Nghy mj;jpal;rupd; gzptsu;r;rp jpl;lj;NjhL> Nguhaupd; epu;thf FOtpd; jpl;lkhfpa ngyg;gl;L tpuptiljy;> Mfpa ,U jpl;lq;fisAk; epiwNtw;WNthkhf.

fpwp];Jtpy; tpRthrpfs; xd;WgLjypd;topaha;> ehk; xd;Wgl;l Njt FLk;gj;jhu; vd (vNgrpau; 2:19) vNgrpau; Gj;jfj;jpy; nrhy;y Nfl;fpNwhk;. ,e;j xw;WikahdJ> fpwp];Jt rKjhak;> ,d;W Kd;Ndw;w jhf;fk; nfhz;ljha; ,Uj;jy; Ntz;Lk;. Mf];l; jpq;fs; 8k; ehs; 2005 jpy;. kPd; gpbf;Fk; tiyapy;> rpf;fpa 7 u\;a khYkpfs;; nfhz;l rpwpa ePu;%o;fp fg;giy

flTs; MrPu;tjpg;ghuhf. Mrpupau; 5

FAITH ACCORDING TO LUTHERAN DOCTRINE:

ave you seen or heard people who are very proud of their faith, boasting as though they made it with their own hands? Believe it or not, there are people today who speak as though they worked out their faith by making huge personal sacrifices in life. Some even say that their faith is a result of their long hours of prayer and good works.

fide). And this faith should never be understood as a work on our part. Although it is we who believe in God, the faith that we hold on to believe in the redemption work of Christ is totally the work of God in us (John 6:28-29). St. Paul states that faith is “the power/work/operation of God” (Colossians 2:12) and that it “has been granted” to us to believe in Christ (Philippians 1:29). Faith is, therefore, the work of God in this sense: It is he and he alone who creates and sustains faith in our hearts.

Faith is a confident assurance in God that we are saved through the works of Christ. As per this definition, Christian faith is a conviction, a strong belief of the reality of things we hope for in Christ. Is faith then an emotion, a mental decision?

Faith comes through hearing the gospel No one can produce faith by himself; neither by will nor by might. Faith is an external thing; it comes to us after hearing the words of Christ — the Gospel (Romans 10:17).

“Faith, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead,” (James 2:17). In other words, faith without action is not faith at all. As per this verse, a “living faith” should be an action which can only be measured by a work done in line with what is believed. Is faith then a “work?”

Faith is a Gift of God Some people don’t mind agreeing to the premise that faith is an external thing – coming from God to us. However, they think that they deserve it or have earned it because of certain behaviours or performances of theirs before the Lord. This too is not supported, as the Bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

We confess that we are justified (made righteous before God) by faith and not by works. If faith is a mental decision, an emotion and an action on the human part, this would mean that our works do save us. Is it okay to say that? Is faith a “work” on our part? Faith is a Work of God Friends, as the apostle Paul claims in his letter to the Romans, we are saved by faith alone (Sola

Thank God for Faith Friends, rather than boasting, we should be thankful to God for the gift of faith to believe in Christ. None of us were there to see Jesus hanged on the cross. None of us were there to touch his wounds like Thomas did in order to believe in the risen Christ. However, as Christ had said, we are blessed because we have not seen or touched, yet believe in Him (John 20:24-31). Again, this is the work of God in us through the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13). Remember that no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.12: 3). The Bible is very clear that it is God who works our salvation and we contribute nothing toward it, not even 1 per cent. We are purely the beneficiaries who only have to respond to him in love and obedience. Rev. Karthik Sibanyanam

tpRthrk; vd;gJ ehk;

nra;a $ba Ntiyj;jpudh? jq;fsJ tpRthrj;ij Fwpj;J ngUik ghuhl;Lk; kf;fis ePq;fs; fz;lJz;lh? mij jq;fsJ iffspdhNyNa nra;jJNghy Cnuy;yhk; jw;ngUik NgRtijAk; fz;lJz;lh? ek;GtPu;fNsh> ek;gkhl;Bu;fNsh> ngupa jpahfr;nray;fisf; nfhz;L tpRthrj;ij jhq;fNs nra;jJNghy NgrtijAk; fz;L ,Ug;gPu;fs;. mJkl;Lky;y> jhq;fs; mjpfNeuk; n[gpg;gjpdhYk;> ed;ikahd fhupaq;fis nra;tjpdhYNk jq;fSf;Fs; tpRthk; epiyj;jpUg;gjhftk;> nrhy;tJz;L. tpRthrk; vd;gJ flTshNy epr;rpapfg;gl;L> fpwp];J nra;J Kbj;j jpUg;gzapdhNyNa MdJ tpRthrk;. ,e;j tpsf;fj;jpd;gb> fpwp];jt tpRthrkhdJ> jd; Fw;wj;ij mwpe;J> fpwp];Jtpd; top mirf;fg;glhj epr;aNk. mg;gb vd;why; tpRthrk; xU rpe;ijapd; kNdhfyrkhd Kbth? “tpRthrkhdJ nraYk; nfhz;ljha; ,y;iyNay;> mJ nrj;jJ. (ahf;NfhG 2:17) jpUk;gr; nrhd;dhy; nrayw;w tpRthrk;> tpRthrNk my;y. Ntj trdk; nrhy;YtJNghy “[Ptpf;fpw tpRthrkhdJ” nray; tbtk; nfhz;ljha; ,Ue;jhy; jtpu tpRtrj;ij ek;gKbahJ. mg;gbnad;why; tpRthrkhdJ ntWk; nray;jhdh? tpRthrj;ijf;nfhz;Ljhd; ePjp ahf;fg;gl;Nlhk;> nraypdhy; my;y vd;W mwpf;ifapLfpNwhk;. tpRthrkhdJ> kdpjdpy; rhu;e;j xU rpe;ijapd; kNdhfyrkhd KbT vd;why; ekJ nrayhf;fk; ek;ik ul;rpf;FNk. ,g;gb nrhy;yhkh? tpRthrk; vd;gJ ehk; nra;a $ba Ntiyj;jpudh? tpRthrkhdJ nray;.

flTspd;

ed;gNu> NuhkUf;F vOjpa epUgj;jpy; gTy; mg;Ngh];jyd;> tpRthrj;jpdhy; ,ul;rpf;fg;gl;Nlhk; vd;fpwhu;. ,e;j tpRthrkhdJ ek;khy; Md nray; md;W. ehk; flTspy; tpRthrk; itj;jhYk;> Nahthd; 6:28-29 jpd;gb> ekJ tpRthrkhdJ> flTspd; ,ul;rpg;gpd; gzp> fpwp];JtopNa epiwNtWfpwJ. nfhNyhrpau; epUgj;jpd; 2:12 d;gb gTy; nrhy;YtJ> tpRthrk; “flTspd; ty;yik”. mJ fpwp];Jtpy; tpRthrk; itf;Fk; gb nfhLf;fg;gl;Ls;sJ (gpypg;gpau; 1:29). MfNt tpRthrkhdJ flTspd; nray;ghL. mtNu

ekJ ,Ujaq;fspy; tpRthrj;ij cz;Lgd;dp elj;Jfpwhu;.

njhlu;e;J

RtpNrj;ij Nfl;gjpdhNy tpRthrk; tUfpwJ.

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10.04.2010 - 42 members including Bishop and Diocesan Secretary participated in the inaugural Central District Senior Fellowship Evening 2010 at Lutheran Hall

24.01.2010 - Candidate Jegadass was installed as the Pastor in-Charge of Praise Lutheran Congregation, BM

17.04.2010 - 20 members participated in the Deaconess Training Programme held at Good Hope Lutheran Congregation

10.04.2010 - More than 100 youths participated in Central District Youth BBQ held at Good Samaritan Lutheran Congregation.

24.04.2010 - Central District Sports Day held at Zion compound.

01.05.2010 - The Organising Committee Members of Cheras Lutheran Congregation 1 Malaysia Fellowship Dinner.

22.05.2010 - Participants of the one-day womenâ€™s seminar organised by Praise Lutheran Congregation, BM

28.05.2010 - Cheras Lutheran Congregation Family Day at Taman Tasik Jaya, PJ

05.06.2010 - Immanuel Lutheran Congregation, Ipoh hosted the Northern District Family Carnival

24.06.2010 - Bishop & our other delegates to the 13th CCM Triennial General Assembly, Sibu at Sibu Airport

27.06.2010 - Selvarani Viswalingam & Ryan Ganesan were baptised at Zion Cathedral

Ebenezer Irai Amirtham & Percy were married at Carmel Church, ALC in Thiruvanamalai, India

03.07.2010 - Zachary Jayhan Achariam, son of Jonathan & Sheela Achariam, was baptised at Zion Cathedral by Rev. Albert Abishegam

04.07.2010 - Candidates Samuel Anbunathan & S. Andrews baptising new members of Kluang Lutheran Congregation

11.07.2010 - 3 confirmands of the Zion Cathedral English Service were confirmed by the Bishop

04.07.2010 - Parentsâ€™ Day celebrations at Grace Lutheran Congregation

16.05.2010 - Commissioning of Bro. A.E. Thomas as Candidate to the Holy Ministry by Bishop at Meru Lutheran Congregation.

28.05.2010 â€“ 30.05.2010 - 60 members participated in Zion Cathedral Family Retreat held at Tiara Beach Resort, PD.

04.04.10 - Four adults and two children were baptised by Rev. K. Thambiraj on Easter Sunday at Resurrection Lutheran Congregation, PD.

14.07.2010 - Bishop and Central District Pastors with delegates from Australian Lutheran Church during their visit to ELCM.

Luther Ria â€“ An Update

umah Luther Ria, the newly established ELCM training centre for epileptic and intellectually-disabled children in Port Dickson was officially launched by the Bishop at 3.00pm on the 5th of July 2010. About 30 people attended the event. Rumah Luther Ria has 12 children under its care in addition to 3 teachers and an administrator. An international NGO, Habitat for Humanity, is currently assisting this training centre to put up its own building in the compound of the Resurrection Lutheran Congregation situated at 188, Jalan Lama, Port Dickson.

Cheras Lutheran Congregation’s Maiden Malayalam Service.

Cheras Lutheran Congregation created history in the ELCM by conducting its maiden Malayalam Bilingual Service on the 18th of April 2010. The service was held in the evening and attended by 55 people. The idea to conduct the Malayalam Service arose from the active participation of members from the Church’s Diaspora Cell Group consisting of lecturers from India. Rev. Steven Lawrence spoke in English and the message was translated by Sister Aleyamma Nainan in Malayalam. The three Bible readings and worship songs were read and sung in the Malayalam language. The hymns ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus’ and ‘Showers Of Blessing’ were sung in Malayalam. The singing of the hymns reflected the love of The Lord Jesus Christ to many unsaved Malayalee brothers and sisters. A special Malayalee “payasam” dish and Indian cakes were served to everyone after the service. May the Lord prosper this service for the extension of his Kingdom.

Bahau Lutheran Outreach

The Bahau Lutheran Outreach an outreach of the Kuala Pilah Lutheran Congregation was established in May 2010 by Evangelist Joseph Sinnappan. Currently, prayer meetings are being conducted in 2 members homes at 2 different locations, namely Taman Bahau,

(every Monday, commencing 7.30pm) and Batu Sawah Estate (every Friday commencing 7.30pm.) The attendances at the Taman Bahau and Batu Sawah Estate prayer meetings are 8 and 20 unbelievers respectively. Evangelist Joseph Sinnappan also conducts house visitations from 5.00pm to 6.30pm before he leads the said prayer meetings.

Bangi Outreach Ministry

Two areas, Bangi Lama and Dunedin Estate, have

been identified for ministry. This ministry involves children and youths. Visitations and house prayer meetings are also conducted by Rev. Peter Sekar who is in charge of this work in Bangi.

Rantau Outreach

The Rantau Lutheran Outreach was launched by Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah in June 2010. Bro. Eliezer Peter is currently ministering to 25 believers who faithfully meet every Sunday for worship and bible study at a member’s house.

ELCM Wo m e n ’ s C are & Counse llin g C e n t re ELCM Establishes Lutheran Pregnancy & Counselling Resource Centre: Mr. Darin Storkson of LCMS World Relief and Human Care, (left), and Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia signing a grant agreement to establish the first Lutheran Pregnancy & Counselling Resource Centre in Asia. Behind them are members of the committee that will oversee the centre. The centre will begin operations with effect from August 2010. 11

APRIL • • • • •

6 – 3 10 14-21 21 24

LCMS / ELCM Dialogue CCM Indian Pastor’s Appreciation Day at Lutheran Hall Council of Churches Asia (CCA) Conference in KL 1st Luther Ria Working Committee Meeting in PD Central District Sports Day

MAY

• 6 Launching of Rantau Lutheran Outreach • 12 Bishop elected President of STM Council • 16 Inauguration of Meru Lutheran Congregation • 25-27 Pastors’ Seminar themed “Gospel and Communications” was held at PD Lutheran Centre. JUNE • 12 Seminar on “Role of Women” at Lutheran Hall • 12 Confirmation Service at Bethesda Lutheran congregation • 13-20 Deaconess Training conducted by Deaconess Grace Rao of LCMS • 21-24 CCM 13th Triennial General Assembly in Sibu

JULY

• 1-3 • 5 • 6 • 11 • 17 • 17-31 • 19-26

AUGUST • • • • • •

2 12 15 17 20-22 28

Bishop attended meeting with church leaders in India 2nd Luther Ria Working committee meeting in PD Pastor’s Conference at Lutheran Hall Zion Cathedral English Service Confirmation Service Rev. K. Thambiraj & Rev. P. Albert Abishegam left for Madurai, India for three-week evangelism course. LWF Assembly, LWF Council Meeting Symposium with ELCB. Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah attended LWF Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany STM Meeting in Seremban Methodist Church 125th Anniversary Service, KL Zion Lutheran Congregation Confirmation / Commissioning Service FIDC, Malacca Central District Youth Camp, Rawang Ordination Service, Zion Cathedral

SEPTEMBER • • •

12 Cheras Lutheran Congregation Confirmation Service 17-19 Diocesan Assembly, Port Dickson 25-26 Immanuel Lutheran Congregation Confirmation Service

OCTOBER • • • • •

2-3 9 16 23 30-31

NOVEMBER • •

12-14 28

DECEMBER • • • •

6-12 24 25 31

Victory Lutheran Congregation, Confirmation Opening of Kulai Lutheran Outreach Bethany Home Celebration, Teluk Intan STM Graduation Service, Seremban Kluang Confirmation Service Mission Convention Central District Candle Light Service LCA Consultation, Adelaide Christmas Eve Christmas Day New Year’s Eve Service

Deaconess Training

also recorded a vote of thanks to Candidate A.E. Thomas who had pioneered the work in Meru. May God abundantly bless the Meru Lutheran Congregation in the coming days.

Deaconess Grace Rao of the LCMS conducted a Deaconess Training programme from 14th to 18th June 2010 at Good Hope Lutheran Congregation, PJ. 9 trainee deaconesses took part in this training. Topics covered included “Women in Scriptures - The Biblical Understanding,” “Women in the Early Church and Reformation” and “The Role of Deaconesses in the Church”.

Pastors’ Seminar 2010

The Pastors’ Seminar 2010, held from the 25th to the 27th of May 2010 at the Port Dickson Lutheran Centre, was presided by Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah. 23 Pastors and special guest and main speaker, Rev. Dr Daniel from the Arcot Lutheran Church, India participated. The theme for the whole seminar, “Gospel and Communications” was ably expounded by Rev. Dr. Daniel who gave a very practical explanation of communications theology from the biblical perspective. Bishop Dr. Solomon Rajah, on the last day, updated the Pastors on the latest developments in the ELCM. He particularly thanked the Pastors who had worked hard to bring

Half-Day Women’s Seminar

A half-day Women’s Seminar was organised by the Diocesan Women’s Committee on the 12th of June

2010. 36 women took part in this seminar themed “Women in Mission.”. There were three speakers from the LCMS, WR-HR, namely, Rev. John Fale, Associate Executive Director, Mr. Darin Storkson, Regional Director of Asia and Deaconess Grace Rao, Diaconal Project Development.

in new members through the Each One Reach One Each Year (EOROEY) Growth Campaign launched on the 23rd of June 2010. The seminar concluded on a high note at 12.30pm on the 27th of May 2010 with a vote of thanks to the Bishop for a very fruitful and productive three days.

Meru Lutheran Congregation

The 22nd congregation of the ELCM, namely the Meru Lutheran Congregation, was officially launched by the Bishop on Sunday, the 16th of May 2010. On this auspicious day, the inaugural AGM was held, chaired by the Bishop with the Diocesan Secretary in attendance. Also, the new congregation’s first Local Council members and DA delegates were elected during this meeting. The Bishop celebrated Holy Communion and delivered God’s Word during the worship service. The AGM

ARTICLE 6 Membership .1 The Church shall be open for membership to all Malaysians and non-Malaysians who reside within Malaysia and share its Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal basis laid down in Article 4 of this Constitution. .2 Members are those who have been baptized with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and those who have been received by the Church provided they have been baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Full Members .3 Full members are such members who: (a) Have been confirmed. Confirmed members are members who have been baptized and admitted to the sacrament of the Holy Communion through Confirmation or Reception; (b) Have completed 18 years of age on the first day of the current calendar year; (c) Have been a member of the Church for the entire preceding calendar year; (d) Attend church divine services regularly; unless physical weakness or geographical distance prohibits; (e) Participate in church services and are involved in church auxilliary ministries; (f) Tithe or have contributed the following minimum amounts every month as church fund for twelve (12) months in each year of the triennium:

i) ii)

Working members Non-working members

- -

Not less than RM50.00 per month. Not less than RM20.00 per month

(g) Are not under Church discipline; (h) Agree to uphold the Constitution and be bound by it; (i) Support the ministry of the Church. .4

If there is any ambiguity by the Local Council in deciding on (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), & (i) above, the matter will be decided by the Diocesan Council based on the recommendations of the Local Council.

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GREEN ELCM!

10 tips to keep the earth cool - A Malaysian way of responding to LWF’s call to fight global warming 1.

Clean your aircond grills and filter frequently and avoid operating them throughout the night.

2. Save at least 1 litre petrol per month by walking to the corner shop. 3. Avoid bathing or washing clothes in hot water. 4. Have an office plant. 5. Reduce buying air-flown food from long distances, instead buy local vegetables. 6. Say ‘Tak Mahu Plastic’, to the counter staff at least when you buy a canned drink. 7. Check your car tyre pressure at every alternate fuel filling at the pump. 8. Replace at least two tungsten filament bulbs with energy-saving fluorescent tubes. 9. Start using a battery charger and rechargeable batteries. 10. Go to church with all your family members early, every Sunday, and leave church late. Candidate S. Andrews

Our Condolences... Mr. Christy Moses, a retired Customs Officer and a long-standing Local Council leader and DA delegate of Praise Lutheran Congregation, Bukit Mertajam was called home by the Lord on 12.04.2010. He leaves behind his beloved wife Kathrine, children Emmanuel, Edwin, Elisha, Victor and Ansia Edwina, brother Jacob and a host of relatives. The funeral service was held at the St. Mark’s Church, Butterworth on 14.04.2010 and the burial at the Grace Memorial Park, Bukit Mertajam.

Mr. Daniel Jayaraj Ebenezer passed away peacefully on 27.05.2010. The funeral service was held at Penang on 28.05.2010.

ELCM PROGRAMME FOR 2011

Approved by the Diocesan Council (13th July 2010) ** Note FOR INFORMATION: Please table this programme for 2011 at your Local Council Meetings.